People across the UK are coming together to raise thousands that will help change the lives of disadvantaged children

David Ramsden

The famous five wowed fans by performing their comeback track Something New for the first time.

But sexy Cheryl Cole almost had a night to forget after she tripped over part of the stage.

The Geordie babe, 29, stumbled as she performed the song, which is the official Children In Need single, with bandmates Kimberley Walsh, 30, Nadine Coyle, 27, Nicola Roberts, 27, and Sarah Harding, 30.

The girls’ reunion was the highlight of a night hosted by veteran telly star Sir Terry Wogan, 74.

He once again led the BBC1 telethon into the early hours, helped by Fearne Cotton, 31, Tess Daly, 43, and Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw, 28.

Organisers were hoping to beat last year’s record-breaking £26million.

Children In Need kicked off its 33rd fundraiser with £3.7m from Radio 2 listeners.

That sum included a £50,000 bid by DJ Chris Evans, 46, for the bike ridden by Daniel Craig, 44, in new Bond film Skyfall.